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Haven't posted on this forum for quite some time, since my car has been sitting for over a year now, after my head lifted from too much of an aggressive tune, i.e. too much ignition advance.
My previous setup was making use of an OEM Evo 8 headgasket and L19 ARP headstuds. I'm now ready to close my motor up again, and fitting A1 Tech H11 headstuds and either a Norris Designs (aka Cosworth MLS) or Power Enterprise Grommet Type Headgasket. I'd like to point out that I have an Evo 9 block and Evo 8 cylinder head.
What's baffling me now, is which headgasket to use...
Making me further indecisive is that each of these headgaskets have different blanked off holes for the water passages.
I'm aiming for say ±700whp and don't want to go the o-ring route, and was hoping that with better equipped headstuds and headgasket, and obviously with more conservative ignition timing values (lesson learnt), that I can achieve this power goal with little concern of blowing a headgasket again, etc.
Below are pics illustrating the water holes which the headgaskets blank off.
I'm unsure if the OEM headgasket that was originally used was actually from an Evo 8 or Evo 9 gasket set kit. I'm aware that the heads surface finish is poor, and it has already been cleaned to an acceptable RA finish.
Can experienced guys please share their views as to which of these two headgaskets are best to use (Cosworth MLS vs Power Enterprise Grommet Type), and also comment of their blanked water hole differences..?
Any guidance and advice would be greatly appreciated.